Punch Brothers

Mandolin prodigy Chris Thile made bluegrass more accessible and more experimental with Nickel Creek, but thus far he’s leaned heavier on the latter with the Punch Brothers. The five-piece string band debuted in 2008 with Punch, much of which comprises a long, four-track suite, “The Blind Leaving The Blind.” The band’s 2010 follow-up, Antifogmatic finds its experimental tack in Thile and co.’s virtuosic playing, channeled with inimitable pop sense by producer Jon Brion. Who’s Feeling Young Now, the group’s new record, feels like more of a collective work than past material, playing up the players’ increasingly cohesive interplay and camaraderie. Even banjo naysayers will find something to like in Punch Brothers’ records or live shows, as they often cover songs by more mainstream acts like Radiohead. 

Updated 02/22/2012